How to Change Your Name on a Texas Driver's License

What You Need to Do to Change Your Name on Your Texas License

To change your name on a Texas driver's license, you must first have a legal name change document on file with the state, then explore for a replacement license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Texas does not allow you to change your name during a routine renewal — you must submit a new process with proof of the legal change. The process takes about two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your completed process.

You cannot straightforward show up at a license office and request a name change. DPS requires you to submit your process by mail or in person, along with your current license, a completed Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License), and an original or certified copy of the document that proves your legal name change.

Key Takeaways

You must have a legal name change document before DPS will change your license — a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that shows your new name.
Submit Form DL-43, your current license, and your legal name change document in person at any DPS Driver License office or by mail to the address on the form.
A replacement license with your new name costs the same as a standard renewal and is valid for the same period as your current license.
If you are changing your name due to marriage or divorce, bring the original or certified marriage certificate or divorce decree — a photocopy is not accepted.

What Legal Documents Prove Your Name Change

Texas recognizes several documents as proof of a legal name change. The most common are a court order for name change, a marriage certificate, or a divorce decree that shows your new name. Each must be an original document or a certified copy issued by the court or vital records office — photocopies and notarized copies are not accepted by DPS.

If you changed your name through marriage, bring your original or certified marriage certificate. If you changed your name through divorce, bring the original or certified divorce decree. If you obtained a court-ordered name change through the district court, bring the certified court order. All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.

DPS will not accept documents that are expired, damaged, or lack an official seal. If your document is a certified copy, it must have been issued within the last 60 days — older certified copies may be rejected, and you will be asked to obtain a new one from the issuing office.

How to Submit Your Name Change process

You have two options: explore in person at a DPS Driver License office or explore by mail. In-person applications are processed faster, usually within two to three weeks. Mail applications may take longer depending on processing volume.

To explore in person: Visit any DPS Driver License office with your current license, completed Form DL-43, and your original or certified legal name change document. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. You will have your photo taken and pay the replacement fee on the spot. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

To explore by mail: Complete Form DL-43, include your current license, your legal name change document, and a check or money order for the replacement fee. Mail everything to the address listed on Form DL-43. Include a copy of your Social Security card or a document showing your number. DPS will mail your new license to the address on file with your process. This method takes longer and you cannot track your process status online.

Fees and Timeline for Your New License

A replacement license with a name change costs the same as a standard license renewal in Texas. As of 2024, a standard five-year license costs $33, and an eight-year license costs $48. The fee does not change because you are changing your name — you are straightforward getting a replacement license that happens to reflect your new name.

Processing time is typically two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your complete process. If you explore in person, your new license will be mailed to the address on file within that timeframe. If you explore by mail, add an additional week or more for mail delivery to DPS and for your new license to reach you. If your process is incomplete or your documents do not meet DPS requirements, DPS will contact you and processing will be delayed.

You can check the status of your process online through the DPS website if you applied in person and received a receipt number. Mail applications cannot be tracked online, so you will need to wait for your license to arrive or contact DPS directly with your process details.

What Happens to Your Current License

When you receive your new license with your updated name, your old license is no longer valid. You should destroy it or return it to DPS — do not carry both licenses. If you lose your new license before it arrives, contact DPS when ready to report it and request a replacement.

Your new license will have a new license number. This is normal and expected when you change your name. Update your new license number with your employer, insurance company, bank, and any other organization that has your license information on file. Some organizations may ask you to provide proof of your name change, so keep a copy of your legal name change document for your records.

Name Changes Due to Marriage or Divorce

If you are changing your name due to marriage, you do not need a separate court order — your marriage certificate serves as proof of your legal name change. Bring your original or certified marriage certificate to the DPS office or include it with your mail process. The marriage certificate must show both your former name and your new married name.

If you are changing your name due to divorce, bring your original or certified divorce decree. The decree must clearly show your new name after the divorce. Some divorce decrees restore a woman's maiden name; others allow you to choose a new name. Either way, the decree itself is your proof of the legal change.

If you were married or divorced outside of Texas, your out-of-state marriage certificate or divorce decree is still valid for a Texas license name change, as long as it is an original or certified copy and is in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is submitting a photocopy instead of an original or certified copy of your legal name change document. DPS will reject photocopies, notarized copies, and documents that lack an official seal. If you do not have a certified copy, contact the court or vital records office that issued the original and request a certified copy — this usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks.

Another mistake is explore for a name change without having a legal document to support it. You cannot change your name on your license straightforward because you want to — DPS requires proof that your name change is legal. If you have not yet obtained a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree, you must do that first before you can change your license.

Do not assume your name will automatically update on your license during a routine renewal. Name changes require a separate process and submission of legal documents. If you renew your license without submitting a name change process, your new license will still show your old name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license if I do not have a certified copy of my legal name change document?

No. DPS requires an original or certified copy with an official seal. If you only have a photocopy or notarized copy, contact the court or vital records office that issued the original and request a certified copy. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $25.

Do I need to change my name on my license if I got married?

No, it is not required. You can keep your maiden name on your license if you choose. However, if you want your license to reflect your married name, you must submit a name change process with your marriage certificate.

How long does it take to get a license with my new name?

Processing typically takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your complete process. If you explore in person, your new license will be mailed to you within that timeframe. If you explore by mail, add one to two weeks for mail delivery.

What if I applied by mail and my process was rejected?

DPS will mail you a notice explaining why your process was rejected. Common reasons include missing documents, photocopies instead of certified copies, or incomplete Form DL-43. Correct the issue and resubmit your process with all required documents.

Can I use my old license while I wait for my new one with my new name?

Yes, your current license remains valid until your new license arrives. However, once your new license arrives, your old license is no longer valid and should be destroyed.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.